Duke  University  Libraries 

Pastoral  letter 
Conf  Pam  #762 


A  PASTORAL  LETTER 


Tf\   THE    CLEROV    ANP    LAITY    OF    THE 


§vote$tHut  (JJ|ri0r0iial  ^rmttli 


■X  ->, 


IS"    TH^  DinCE>E    OF    TEN'NESSEF?. 


U' 


HV  TMK    BLSlfOP   OF   TllK    SAJME. 


AT  THK  KEQUE-^T  OF  THK,  C  "NVKNTION.  A.  I>.  Hf<l. 


^Qt'tmphis,  £tnn. : 
HUTTON  &  FRELIGH,  PRS.,  SOUTHERN  PUBLISHING  HOUSE, 


1861. 


'/'M 


m 


#^^f^     *^'^ 


f  astoral  J^cttfr. 


Dearly  Beloved  Brethren: 

The  Convention  of  the  Diocese,  which  recently  met 
at  Somerville,  by  a  nnaninions  vote  passed  a  resolution 
requesting  nie  to  ai)point  a  week-day  service  for  tasting 
and  prayer,  to  be  used  in  all  our  congregations  once  a 
week,  or  oftener,  at  the  discretion  of  tlie  Minister,  hav- 
ing a  special  reference  to  the  dangers  which  threaten 
the  pul)li('  peace  and  tranquility  of  our  country,  T 
sympathize  very  sincerely  in  the  sentiments  which 
prompted  the  Convention  to  nnike  this  request,  and 
share  very  largely  in  the  feelings  which  urge  our  people 
to  invoke  God's  protection  and  aid  in  the  perils  whicli 
are  imminent  over  us.  Yet  would  I  say,  let  no  man's 
heart  fail  him  because  of  the  railings  and  threats  that 
are  made  against  us.  Under  the  lead  of  a  fanaticisni 
which  stoo])s  to  the  use  of  aj^peals  to  the  worst  passions 
of  human  nature — which,  in  the  ardor  of  its  zeal  to 
accomplish  its  i)urposes,  sets  aside  the  fear  of  God,  and 
actually  rejects  and  denies  the  authority  of  His  Holy 
Word,  a  \ery  large  portion  of  the  people  of  the  Northern 
States  have  been  roused  to  make  war  upon  us,  and 
armies  are  gathering  on  our  borders  for  the  avowed 
object  of  carrying  tire  and  sword,  ruin  and  desolation, 
from  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 
Possessed  with  an  unaccountable  infatuation,  they 
allege,  in  justitication  of  their  course,  grievances  of 
whose  existence  we  are  unconscious,  and  pretend  an 
api^rehension  of  invasion  of  their  territory,  and  assault 
upon  their  rights  whicli  we  have  not  even  meditated. 
On  the  other  hand,  for  forty  years  past,  citizens  of  the 
Northern  States  have,  in  spite  of  warning,  against  en- 


PASTORAL     LETTER. 


treaty,  and  in  opposition  to  the  laws  of  the  Government, 
been  engaged  in  tampering  with  our  servants,  seducing 
them  froD)  tlicir  fidelity,  nidiiig  tliom  to  rsca])efr(>m  our 
care  and  control,  and  exciting  them  to  the  work  of  arson 
and  death.      We  have  remonstrated  with  our  Northern 
hretliren   every  year  since  the  attcm]»ted  exclusion   of 
Missouri  from  the  Union,  and  warned  them  of  the  sad 
work  of  alienation  and  disruption  which  their  proceed- 
ings would   surely  produce   between  us.     Our  warnings 
and  remonstrances  have  effected   no  other  result  than 
more  active  and  determined  efforts  on  the  part  of  those 
bent  ujjon  our  ruin,  until  these  efforts  issued,  less  than 
two  years  ago,  in  the  attempt  of  Northern  men,  aided 
by  Northern  money  and  Northern  sympathy,  to  seize 
on  an  arsenal  in  the  Stat(»  of  Virginia,  with  the  avowed 
purpose  of  oNcrfhrowing  the  governnuMit  of  the  Southern 
States,  aVxtlishing  slavery,  and  establishing  the  supre- 
macy and  rule  of  the  North   upon   our  ruin.     ]Iad  the 
]>lan   succeeik^l,  the  work  wouUl   then  ha^e  been  accom- 
])lislied  for  which  armed  hosts  are  now  gathering  upon 
our  borders,  and  fleets  hoA'cring  on  our  coasts,  to  destroy 
our  commerce.     Notwithstanding    all    the    past,   there 
were  hundreds  of  thousands  in  the  South,  who,  in  their 
love  of,  and  devotion  to  the  Federal  Union,  were  willing 
to  brave  more,  until  the  i)roclamation  of  President  Lin- 
coln, inaugurating  war,  had  destroyed  the  last  germ  of 
ho])C  that  Ave  could  reach  a  peaceful  solution  of  our  dif- 
ficulties. 

To  this  day  and  hour  we  have  continued  to  give 
assurances  to  the  people  of  the  North,  that,  by  arming, 
we  designed  no  attack  upon  them,  but  simply  to  be 
ready  for  defence  against  aggression.  We  have,  in 
every  way  we  could  (le\ise  to  l)e  heard,  through  C'on- 
gress,  through  Peace  Conferences,  through  action  of  the 
T^egislatures,  through  Conventions  of  the  People,  through 
private  positive  declarations,  almost  supplicated  them 
to  let  us  alone,  to  let  us  depart  in  i)eace,  to  forbear  hos- 
tilities which  in  all  human  probability  would  engender 
eternal  hatred,  and  end  in  mutual  and  utter  destruction. 


PASTORAL   LETTER. 


Our  assurances  have  been  discredited ;  our  supplica- 
tions for  peace  have  l)een  met  by  stern  threatenings  and 
preparations  for  war,  such  as  look  to  no  suppression  of 
an  insurrection,  but  the  subjugation  or  extermination  of 
a  whole  people.  In  the  language  of  the  Psalmist.  '*  We 
are  for  peace,  huf  when  we  speak  thereof,  then  make  them 
ready  to  battle. '^  N\'e  have,  therefore,  no  alternative, 
but  ''to  meet  force  with  force"  and  repel  aggression  as 
best  we  may.  and  commit  our  cause  to  "  Him  that  judg- 
eth  righteously.  "  Let  us  all  do  our  whole  duty  faith- 
fully, as  Christians  and  citizens,  and  we  need  not  feai- 
what  man  can  tlo  unto  us.  "  The  liattle  is  not  always 
to  the  strong."  "  The  Lord  shall  give  strength  unto  his 
peoi)le :  the  Lord  sh.ill  give  his  pe(^])le  the  blessing  of 
peace.  ' 

While,  then,  wc  pray  for  our  sons  and  brethren  who 
liave  gone  forth  to  breast  the  storm  of  battle  for  the 
cause  of  our  peoj)le  and  our  God.  let  us  not  forget  that 
our  sins  have  brought  upon  us  all  the  evils  that  now 
threaten  us.  Let  us  make  haste  to  confess  our  sins,  to 
repent  us  truly  of  our  faults,  ask  God's  merciful  pardon 
and  forgiveness  through  Christ,  so  **  iniquity  shall  not  be 
our  ruin."  And  whik'  doing  this  for  ourselves,  let  us 
not  forget  that  Christ  died  for  his  and  our  enemies,  as 
well  as  for  ourselves.  Let  us,  therefore,  in  the  genuine 
s])irit  of  Christianity  pray  God  to  forgive  them,  and  to 
"  turn  their  hearts." 

In  compliance  with  tlu^  request  of  the  Convention,  I 
appoint  Friday  of  each  week  to  be  observed,  by  all  our 
congregations,  as  a  <lay  of  Fasting^  Humiliation  and 
Prayer,  to  Almighty  God.  to  ask  his  merciful  forgive- 
ness of  ourmanifold  sins  and  transgressions,  his  gracious 
protection  for  our  country,  and  his  care  and  direction  of 
our  friends  and  peo])le  exposed  to  the  dangers  and 
casualties  of  war. 

To  this  end  the  use  of  the  entire  Litany,  and  the  fol- 
lowing prayers  among  the  occasional  prayers,  by  all 
our  congregations,  during  the  continuance  of  the  war, 
is  appointed  : 


6  PASTORAL   LETTER. 


In  Time  of  "War  and  Tumult. 

0  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  the  supremo  Governor  of  all  things,  whose 
y  power  no  creature  is  able  to  resist,  to  whom  it  belongetii 
justly  to  punish  sinners,  and  to  be  merciful  to  those  who  truly  re- 
pent, save  and  deliver  us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  from  the 
hands  of  our  enemies;  that  we,  being  armed  with  thy  defence, 
may  be  preserved  evermore  from  all  perils,  to  glorify  thee,  who 
art  the  onl}'  giver  of  all  victory,  through  the  merits  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  those  in    Actuiil   .SerTice. 

OGOT)  OF  HOSTS!  the  mighty  Lord,  who  reignest  over  all 
.  the  kingdoms  and  nations  of  men.  hear  our  hwmble  prayers 
for  all  those,  thy  servants,  who  have  by  thy  wise  providence  been 
called  to  taUe  up  arms  in  defi'use  ol"  the  rights  antl  liberties  of  our 
country.  Lispire  their  hearts  with  true  courage,  and  arm  them 
with  power  and  strength  to  do  valiantly,  and  to  quit  themselves 
like  men,  against  those  who  wish  to  oppress  us.  Establish  in 
their  hearts  the  fear  and  love  of  Thy  holy  name,  that  they  may 
evermore  feel  and  believe  that  Thou  art  their  shield  and  buckler, 
that  Thou  wilt  cover  their  heads  in  tlie  day  of  battle,  and  give 
them  victory  over  their  enemies.  Do  Thou,  especially,  0  Lord, 
guard  and  defend  Thy  servants  from  those  temptations  to  youth- 
ful sins  which  wai*  against  the  soul.  Preserve  them  in  health  and 
safet}-  ;  send  the  fear  of  Thee  betbre  Thy  servants,.and  let  their 
enemies  flee  before  them.  Save  and  protect  all  those  whom  they 
love  and  leave  at  home,  and  in  Thy  good  time  bring  them  back  in 
peace  and  safety,  with  a  grateful  sense  of  Th}'  mercy  and  good- 
ness to  them,  through  Jesus  Christ  oui'  FiOrd      Amen. 

A.s  iiiniiy  ofyoii,  1k>1()\(m1  hrctlinMi,  hnxv  liusbands  or 
sons,  tatluTs,  brothors,  or  tVieiul.^,  who  hayo  gone  forth 
at  the  call  of  their  country  and  of  duty,  to  the  defence 
of  all  that  is  dearest  to  ns  on  earth,  I  reconiniend  to  all 
families  the  use  of  the  foUowino-,  or  some  other  form  of 
like  import,  to  l)e  used  at  morning  and  eyening  deyo- 
tions,  or  in  the  closet. 

OALMTGirTY  (JOD  !  who  sittest  on  the  throne  judging  right- 
j  eoush",  whose  power  is  irresistible,  bless  and  prosper,  we 
pray  Thee,  the  great  work  in  which  this  Commonwealth  is  now 
engaged,  (io  forth  Avith  our  armies,  and  give  them  victory  and 
success  over  our  enemies.  Sutler  not  our  sins  to  provoke  Thee  to 
withdraw  from  us  Thy  defence  and  protection,  but  send  us  in 
Thy  good  time,  such  a  peace  as  may  tend  to  the  glorj-  of  Thy 
great  name,  the  ]ireservation  of  Thy  Church  and  true  religion 
amongst  us,  the  honor,  safety,  and  welfare  of  Thy  people. 

Especially  do  we  commend  to  Thy  mei'ciful  ])rotection  our  dear 


PASTORAL   LETTER. 


(so7\,  brother,  husband,  father,  as  the  case  may  be.)  In  Thee  alone  is 
all  our  hojDe  and  confidence.  Protect  him  from  all  accidents, 
sickness,  and  misfortune.  Guard  him  in  the  midst  of  all  tempta- 
tions. Cover  his  head  in  the  day  of  battle.  Inspire  him  with  a 
love  and  veneration  of  Thy  holy  and  revered  name,  and  with  a 
firm  reliance  on  Thy  wise  providence  when  at  the  post  of  duty, 
and  in  the  hour  of  danger.  Let  Thy  fiitherly  hand  ever  be  over 
him,  that  through  Thy  mighty  protection,  both  here  and  ever,  he 
maybe  preserved  in  bod}'  and  soul,  tlirough  our  Lord  and  Savior 
Jesus  Christ. 

And,  O  Lord,  who  art  the  Savior  of  all  men,  we  pray  Thee  to 
be  merciful  to  them  that  hate  us.  and  who,  without  any  Just  cause, 
are  our  enemies.  Disappoint  their  dovices  and  give  them  repent- 
ance and  bettor  minds.  Let  Thy  lu\  r  rule  in  their  hearts,  and 
endue  them  with  an  humble  and  charitable  spirit;  and  grant,  that 
we,  being  delivered  from  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  may  serve 
Thee  in  peace  and  quietness,  williont  ft>ar.  all  our  days,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

As  many  of  our  friends  .'iiid  r('lnti(»ns  now  in  arni.s 
have  few  opportunities  for  reliuious  wor.sliip,  and  prol)- 
ably  not  many  Looks  in  camp  to  inspire  de\'otional  feel- 
ing, I  ap}>end  to  tliis  I'astoral  L(*tter  tlie  following  ex- 
tracts from  the  1k)o1\  <»f  ]\salms,  and  Prayers,  whieli  I 
trust  may  find  tlieir  way  to  them,  and  tlirougli  the  grace 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Comfortpr  and  SMuctitier.  carry 
a  l)lessing  to  their  soiil.«. 

In  the  hlessed  bonds  of  Gospel  faith  and  love.  1  re- 
main, dear  hrcthren.  your  faithful  friend  and  atfection- 
ate  Pastor, 

JAMES  H.  OTEY. 


PASTORAL    LETTER. 


^clcctioncs  from  the  5?,0alm,$. 


THE  Lord  is  my  light  an<l  my  salvation,  whom,  tlieu.  isliall  I  fear? 
The  1jov(\  is' the  stronu;tli  of  my  life,  ofwlioin,  then,  shall  1  l»o 
afraid  ? 

AVhen  the  wicked,  even  mine  enemies  and  my  toe.<.  eame  ujKm 
me  to  eat  up  my  flesh,  they  stumbletl  and  fell. 

Thouo-h  an  host  of  men  were  laid  a_£ji;ainst  me.  yet  Bhall  not  my 
heart  be  afraid  ;  and  thoug-h  there  rose  u])  war  against  me.  yet 
will  I  put  my  trust  in  Thee. 

One  thing  have  T  desired  of  the  liord.  whieh  1  will  require,  even 
that  I  mav dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life, 
to  beholdthe  fair  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  visit  His  temple. 

For  in  the  time  of  trouble  He  shall  hide  me  in  his  tabernacle  : 
vea,  in  the  secret  place  of  His  dwelling  shall  Uo  hide  me.  and  set 
me  up  upon  a  rock  of  stont. 

And  now  shall  He  lift  up  mine  head  above  mine  enemies  round 
about  me.  Therefore  will  I  otter  in  His  dwelling  an  oblation,  with 
"•reat  "-ladness  :  1  will  sing  and  sjteak  praises  unto  the  Jjord. 

Hearken  unto  ray  voice.  O  liOrd.  when  1  cry  unto  Thee:  have 
mercy  upon  me,  and  licar  me. 

My  heart  hath  talked  of  Thee.  Seek  ye  my  face  :  Thy  face. 
Lord,  will  I  seek. 

0  hide  not  Thou  Thy  lace  from  mr.  \\i>y  east  Thy  sei'vant  away 
in  displeasure. 

Thou  hast  been  my  succor  ;  leave  me  not.  neither  torsake  me.  O 
God  of  my  salvation. 

When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me.  the  Lord  taketli 
me  up. 

Teach  me  Thy  way,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  the  right  way  be- 
cause of  mine  enemies. 

Deliver  me  not  over  into  the  will  of  mine  adversaries  :  lor  there 
are  false  witnesses  risen  up  against  me,  and  such  as  speak  wrong. 

1  should  utterly  have  fainted,  but  that  1  bclicw  verily  to  see  the 
goodness  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

0  tarry  thou  the  Lord's  leisure  ;  be  strong  and  Ife  shall  comfort 
thine  heart;  and  put  thou  thy  trust  in  the  Lord. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  tarrieth  round  about  them  that  fear  Him, 
and  delivereth  them. 


PASTORAL   LETTER.  9 


Tlic  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the  rii^liteous,  und  his  ears  are 
open  unto  their  prayers. 

The  countenance  of  the  Lord  is  against  them  that  do  evil,  to 
root  Out  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the  earth. 
•    The  righteous  cry,  and   the  Lord  heareth  them  and  delivereth 
them  out  of  all  their  troubles. 

The  J>ord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  ai-e  of  a  contrite  heart,  and 
will  save  sucli  as  be  of  an  humble  spirit. 

Plead  Thou  my  cause,  ()  Lord  Avith  them  that  strive  with  n\c, 
and  tight  Thou  against  them  that  tight  against  me. 

Lay  hand  u})on  the  shield  antl  buckler,  and  stand  up  to  help  me. 

Bring  forth  the  spear,  and  stop  the  way  against  them  that  per- 
secute me :  say  unto  my  soul,  T  am  Thy  salvation. 

Whoso  dwelleth  under  the  defence  of  the  Most  High,  shall  abide 
under  the  shadow  of  the  Almight}-. 

I  will  say  unto  the  Lord.  Thou  art  my  hope  and  my  strong 
hold  :  my  (Jod.  in  Ilim  will  J  trust. 

For  He  shall  deliver  thee  from  the  snai-c  of  the  hunter,  and  from 
the  noisome  pestileiice. 

He  shall  defend  thee  under  His  wings,  and  tlidu  shalt  be  safe 
under  His  leathers;  His  iiiil  lifuliicss  and  tr\ith  shall  be  tliy  shield 
and  buckler. 

Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  any  terror  by  night,  nor  lor  the 
arrow  that  flieth  by  day  ;  for  the  ]H'stilencc  that  walketh  in  dark- 
ness, nor  for  the  sickness  that  destroyeth  in  the  noon  day. 

A  thousand  shall  fall  beside  thee,  and  ten  thousand  at  th}-  i-ight 
hand,  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee. 

Yea,  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  l)ehold.  and  see  the  reward  of 
the  ungodly. 

For  Thou,  Lord,  art  my  ht)}>o  ;  Tliou  hast  set  thine  house  of  de- 
fence very  high. 

The  Lord  sitteth  al>ovo  the  wattT  Hood,  and  the  Lord  remain- 
cth  a  king  for  ever. 

The  Lord  shall  give  strength  unto  His  people;  the  Lord  shall 
give  His  pec^ple  the  blessing  of  peace. 


1<>  I'ASTOKAL    LKTTKI?. 


|?ViU|CV^» 


The  Sol(iicrs'   Pray^M-  in   C.i-up. 

OETERXAL  COD,  wlio  by  Tl.y  un^;L-ai-chablo  wisdom,  by  Thy 
Ahnii;hty  power,  and  sei-i-et  pi'ovidont-i'  dost  dctoi'iuino  tlio 
issui's  of  Jiuinan  counsels,  the  events  of  wai"  and  the  returns  of 
victory  and  peace,  let  the  light  of  Thy  countenance  and  the  blessed 
influences  of  Thy  mercy  be  once  more  shetl  u])on  this  afflicted  land. 
Pity  the  evils  which  we  sufter  under  the  ])0wer  and  tyranny  of  war, 
ami  although  \ve  acknowledge  Thy  justice  in  our  sufferings  and 
adore  Thee  in  thy  Judgments,  yet  we  beseech  Thee  to  hearken  to 
our  prayers  and  jjrovide  a  remedy  for  oui-  calamities.  Let  not  the 
defenders  of  a  righteous  cause  go  away  ashamed,  noi- their  counsels 
be  brought  to  nought.  Look  with  com2)ussion  upon  our  intii-mities 
and  remember  not  our  sins,  but  support  us  with  Thy  staff,  lift  us 
up  with  Thy  hand,  and  refresh  iis  with  Thy  presence.  And  if  a 
threatening  cloud  should  still  ovL'rshadow  us.  illuminate  oui*  minds 
with  divine  truth,  that  Avith  the  eye  of  faith  and  hoj)e  wc  may  see 
beyond  it ;  catchiiig  a  glimpse  of  those  mercies  which  in  Thy  secret 
providence  and  adorable  wisdom  Thou  mayest  still  vouchsafe  to 
Thy  unworth}'  servants  amidst  the  saddening  scenes  and  hard- 
ships of  W'ar.  Give  us  grace  and  strength  diligently  to  do  our  duty 
and  cheerfully  to  submit  to  Thy  will ;  and  as  wc  do  put  our  whole 
trust  and  confidence  in  Thy  mercj',  and  have  laid  up  all  our  hopes 
in  Thy  bosom,  let  us  never  be  put  to  shame  or  confusion  before  our 
enemies  :  but  as  Thine  are  the  strength  and  the  power,  O  liord  of 
Hosts,  do  Thou  make  bare  Thy  might}'  arm  and  give  us  the  victory. 
Place  a  guard  of  angels.  O  fjord.  about  the  ('ommander-in-('hief, 
and  u])hold  him  witli  the  <lefence  of  Thy  right  hand,  that  no  un- 
hallowed arm  may  do  him  violence  ;  support  him  in  all  his  dangers 
and  trials,  and  give  to  all  under  his  oi'ders  the  spirit  of  confidence 
and  obedience.  Bless  all  the  subordinate  oflHcers  and  confederates 
under  his  command.  Direct  their  counsels,  govern  their  actions, 
unite  their  hearts  and  strengthen  their  hands.  Inspire  all  in  the 
army  with  ready  submission  to  lawful  authority,  with  a  sense  of 
justice  and  integrity  in  all  their  dealings ;  witli  courage  to  resist 
and  overcome  the  furiousness  of  our  enemies  ;  w^th  compassion  to 
spare   the   vanquished,   and   with   a    ready   will    to    protect   the 


PASTORAL    LETTER.  11 


■oppressed,  that  appi'oving  thenijsclves  to  Thee,  the  Almighty  Ruler 
and  Sovereign  Disposer  of  all  things,  they  may  receive  a  full  reward 
for  their  fidelity  and  obedience,  and.  at  last,  the  gift  of  eternal  life, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  T.ord  !     Amen. 

I'm  vers  U>  be  used  bcfi)rc  Battle. 

OMOST  rOWKPvFUL  and  glorious  Lord  God,  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
that  rulest  and  coinmandest  all  things;  thou  sittest  in  the 
throne  judging  right :  and  therefore  Ave  make  our  address  to  thy 
Divine  J\[ajesty,  in  this  our  necessity,  that  Thou  wouldst  take  the 
cause  into  tliine  own  hand,  and  judge  lietween  us  and  our  enemies. 
Stir  up  thy  strength.  O  Lord,  ai\d  come  and  help  us;  for  thou 
givest  not  always  the  battle  to  the  strong,  but  canst  save  by  many 
or  by  few.  ()  let  not  our  sins  now  cry  against  us  for  vengeance  ; 
but  hear  us,  thy  poor  servants,  begging  mercy,  and  imploring  thy 
help,  and  that  thou  wouldst  be  a  (lefencc  unto  us  against  the  face 
of  the  enemy  :  niake  it  appear  that  thou  art  our  Saviour'  and 
mighty  Deliverer,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

L()K1>  be  nu-rciful  ti>  us  sinnors.  and  save  u>  for  tli}'  nu-rcy's 
sake. 

Thou  art  the  great  (iod.  who  hast  made  and  rulest  all  tilings: 
O.  deliver  us  fur  thy  name's  sake. 

Thou  art  the  great  (iod  to  be  feared  above  all:  O  save  us.  that 
we  may  praise  thee. 

Thou,  O  Lord,  art  just  ami  powei'ful  ;  O  defend  our  cause  against 
the  face  of  the  enemy. 

O  (Jod.  thou  art  a  strong  tower  of  defence  to  all  who  fly  unto 
thee  :  O  save  us  from  tlie  violence  of  the  enenn-. 

O  Lord  of  Hosts,  fight  for  us  :  that  we  may  gloi-ity  thee. 

O suffer  us  not  to  sink  under  the  weight  of  our  sins,  or  the  vio- 
lence of  the  enemy. 

O  Lord,  arise,  hel])  us.  and  deliver  us.  for  thy  names  sake. 
Amen. 

A  Tliaiik^giving  after  ^'ieto^y. 

0  ALMIGHTY  GOD.  the  Sovereign  Commander  of  all  the  worhL 
in  whose  hand  is  power  and  might,  which  none  is  able  to 
withstand  ;  we  bless  and  magnify  thy  great  and  glorious  name  for 
this  happy  victory,  the  whole  glory  whereof  we  do  ascribe  to  tliee, 
who  art  the  only  giver  of  victory.  And.  we  beseech  thee,  give  us 
grace  to  improve  this  great  mercy  to  thy  glory,  the  advancement 
of  thy  Gospel,  the  honor  of  our  country,  and,  as  much  as  in  us 
lieth,  to  the  good  of  all  mankind.  And  we  beseech  thee,  give  us 
such  a  sense  of  this  great  mercy,  as  may  engage  us  to  a  true  thank- 
fulness, such  as  may  appear  in  our  lives,  by  an  humble,  holy,  and 
obedient  walking  before  thee  all  our  days,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord:  to  whom,  with  thee,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  for  all  thy 


12 


PASTORAL    LKTTRR:  ' 


tnercics,  so  in  particular  for  this  victory  and  (K'liveraiuo.  be  all 
•rlorj'  ami  lioi\or,  ^vorl^|^vitllout  end.     Anicu: 

OUJJ    KATIIKK.  who   art    in    llcaviii.   liallowcd   ho  Thy   uanu' ; 
Thy    kin,i«:doiu    conic ;    Thy  will    he  done  on    eartlu  as  it    is 
in  Heaven  ;  i^nve  us  this^day  our  daily  bread  :  and>iori>iye  us  our 
trespasses,  as  we  tor<;ive  tjiose  Avho  trcsjiass  a<;ainst  us^aild  lead  us 
not  into  temptation,  l.tut^liver  us  from  evil  ;  for  thine  ^s  the  kinir- 
^fi  il(>\\\.  tlie  ]i()weran(t  thi^^i;;lorv,  for  ever  and  ever.     Anuii. 

_  *  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  *^ 

TIIK  grace  of'our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  hn-t^  of  (io.d,  and 
the  fellowship  ofj^he   Holy  (.'host,  be  with  us'^ll^bvei^more. 
Amen.  J*  >    > 


:  i 


'^# 


HoUinger  Corp. 
pH8.5 


